Photo By Cpl. Matt Myers | Marines from the U.S. and the Republic of Korea cheer their drinks at a celebration...... read more read more
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MOUNTAIN WARFARE TRAINING CAMP, South Korea - Republic of Korea and U.S. Marines took part in an annual celebration Jan. 24 near the Mountain Warfare Training Camp located in Pyeongchang, South Korea during Korean Marine Exchange Program 14-3.
KMEP is an annual training event that allows Marines from both nations an opportunity to project their military power, cross-train in skills such as cold weather survival and tactics, and deepen cultural ties.
The celebration was intended to motivate and raise the morale of the Marines in preparation for the grueling 400-kilometer hike across roads and various terrains in extremely cold weather, according to Lance Cpl. Dong Hee Hwang, a radio operator with the Division 1st ROK Special Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st ROK Division.
“Every year, before we go on the big 400k hike to Pohang, we get everyone together to raise their spirits and (increase confidence) that everyone will make it the all the way and with no injuries,” said Hwang. “We serve lots of food and drinks, so that everyone can have a good meal before the hike.”
At the beginning of the celebration, both groups’ commanding officers offered words of encouragement to the combined ROK-U.S. Marine team.
“We’ve learned so much from the ROK Marines in our time here,” said Capt. Chad Bainbridge, a platoon commander with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “Training with them has been very enjoyable and I would be pleased to go to war with them.”
During the dinner, two groups of Marines ceased to be two separate entities and became one melded group as they intermingled and shared their time together.
“The ROK Marines are awesome,” said Sgt. Robert L. Ponder, an intelligence analyst with the 3rd Recon Bn. “Eating with them and talking with them definitely helps strengthen ties and deepen the relationship. Because of this, I met a lot more of the ROK Marines and this definitely motivates me for the hike. Now they aren’t just people I’m hiking with, they are Marines I’m (training) and enduring with.”
The group enjoyed a variety of local Korean foods during the meal.
“I think that the dinner has helped motivate me and pump me up for the hike,” said Lance Cpl. Cody W. Sperle, an assistant radio operator with the 3rd Recon Bn. “The dinner definitely brought more unity and cohesion to all the Marines. It’s hard to imagine going on a 200-plus mile hike but this really helped.”
When the food was gone, and the celebration neared its end, the ROK and U.S. Marines interlocked their arms with one another, swayed back and forth and chanted a victory song to end the feast.
“This feast has been great; the U.S. Marines have been great,” said Hyun-Jin-Kim, a communications specialist with the 1st Special Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st ROK Division. “Together we have celebrated the victory we will have over this coming hike. I know because of our training that we will all make it.”
| Date Taken: | 01.24.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 01.28.2014 01:23 |
| Story ID: | 119734 |
| Location: | MOUNTAIN WARFARE TRAINING CAMP, 26, KR |
| Web Views: | 358 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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